Show: The Wizard of Oz
Venue: Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Date: 19th December 2018
Director: Gemma Fairlie
Writer: L. Frank Baum, adapted by John Kane
Music & lyrics: Harold Arlen & E. Y. Harburg
Musical director: Dougie Flower
Principal cast: Rachel Flynn (Dorothy), Daniel Bailey (Scarecrow), Will Knights (Tin Man), Marc Akinfolarin (Cowardly Lion), & Camille Marmié (Wicked Witch of the West)
The Wizard of Oz
Based on the classic film adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s iconic tale, and originally adapted for the RSC, this stage version of The Wizard of Oz was every bit as magical as I could have hoped. Despite not being specifically Christmassy, the inherent magic and charm of the show was more than appropriate for the festive season. You only had to look around the theatre, and take in the vast age range present, to see how universal and timeless the story’s appeal really is.
Enigmatic performances from all the main cast, and slick backing from the ensemble meant there wasn’t a note missed or a toe out of line. The presence of a 10-piece live band was also very welcome. The soundtrack itself seamlessly weaved together original background material and all the big, familiar, crowd-pleasing numbers from the MGM film that you would expect.
The principal cast; picture courtesy of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
The attention to detail in the costumes and set design was excellent, really enhancing the immersive and enchanting nature of the show. The use of colour contrast between the real world (drab and neutral) and Oz (rich and vibrant) was particularly effective. Similarly, the superb choreography, clever puppetry, and dazzling aerial displays really elevated the visual impact of the production.
Indeed, I know a couple of people who have also seen it at some point during its month-long run, and I’ve read a few professional reviews: all share the sentiment that the production would not feel out of place on Broadway or the West End, such is the quality across all departments. Having now seen it myself, I quite agree. To pull such a feat off at local theatre level is testament to the hard work of all involved.
Callum McLaughlin 
This sounds fantastic! Would loved to have seen it.
I saw a production of A Christmas Carol the other day, it was unexpectedly anarchic – it was OK but I actually would’ve preferred more story and less slapstick!
It was wonderful 🙂
I really enjoyed reading A Christmas Carol, so I’d like to see a stage version at some point! But like you, I wouldn’t want the story to take a backseat.
The poster gave no indication it would be anything but a traditional version! There was food flinging, fighting over roles, cross dressing, the spirits falling over…
I’ve seen a proper version before, it was atmospheric. I do like the book 🙂
All the pictures I’ve seen of this production look utterly charming. Wonderful review! Glad to hear it’s as magical as it looks.
Thank you! Charming is definitely the word for it 😊
Now I’m curious as to how they used the puppetry. Was it the flying monkeys? I saw a musical called The Christmas Schooner last weekend that was just lovely. A fresh plot, sadness, happiness, memorable songs, and it all has the appeal of feeling local. The story is about German immigrants who move to northern Michigan and sail Christmas trees on a Schooner down the Great Lake to Chicago where other German immigrants are desperately missing their traditional Christmas–including the tree.
No, the flying monkeys were played by dancers/gymnasts, some of whom were on wires. Puppetry was used for the crows, and some of Toto’s scenes.
That sounds lovely; I’m glad you enjoyed it!
So glad you enjoyed it, Callum. WOZ is my favorite movie of all time, and I’ve amassed a bit of a collection over the years, too. For my birthday in 1989, my daughter took me to a 50th anniversary stage performance here in Orlando, and though I was skeptical that it could ever match the movie, it was amazingly good. The special effects were mind-boggling, too. A flying house circled over the audience, and you could see through the walls (canvas, I think) and see Dorothy moving on the bed. Later, the monkeys flew on wires, too, and best of all, the Wicked Witch of the West circled over us on a broom, cackling at the top of her lungs. The cast was perfection, too, even Dorothy. No one will ever be able to sing Over the Rainbow like Judy Garland, of course, but this young lady did a fantastsic job, just the same. I envy you having just seen a new production, and I’m happy to know it was such a great experience for you. 🙂 Long live Oz, but never forget . . . there’s no place like home. 😀
That production sounds wonderful! They used wirework for the monkeys in this version too, and Cirque du Soleil inspired aerial work for the talking trees.
I agree that it’s hard to match up to the standard of such a beloved classic, but the cast were great on all fronts; acting, singing, and dancing. It was a delightful experience! 😊
🙂 It’s amazing how enduring this story is, and then the original movie adaptation. In spite of all the various versions, that 1939 film still holds up to the test of time. And seeing what else they’ve done with it is fun, too. Especially a live performance. I wonder what L. Frank Baum would think of it all. 🙂
We can only hope he’d be delighted to see how much his characters have endured, and how well his story has flourished in the hands of others 😊
This sounds delightful. I absolutely love the Wizard of Oz, and now I have a hankering to watch it again! I’m a little behind on just about everything, including catching up on my favourite blogs…I’ll do better in the new year! Have a wonderful Christmas 🙂
Delightful it most certainly was! 😊 I hope you have a lovely Christmas too, Mel 😊